Portland Area Kids’ Weekend Events: December 24-26

Happy Holidays! The gifts have been opened, the delcious dinner has been consumed, the little ones are getting restless, what’s a Mom and Dad to do? Hit the town for some spectular performances or perhaps a frolick in the outdoors! Learn the secrets of the elusive flying reindeer at the Oregon Zoo. Take a ranger-led hike in the beautiful snow either at Government Camp or Timberline Lodge. The Rockettes are performing as part of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the Portland Youth Philharmonic ensembles and alumni orchestra are putting on their Christmas concert. Finally, Do Jump! Is celebrating its birthday with an awe-inspiring show of incredible aerial dance, circus arts, illusion and live music.

‘Tis the season for migrating gray whales. Pack up the minivan on Sunday and head to one of 26 sites along the coast to learn about gray whales and perhaps catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals. Sponsored by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the Whale Watching Spoken Here Program encompasses hundreds of trained volunteers who donate their time and expertise to help visitors see these amazing whales.

Eastside

Radio City Christmas SpectacularThe West coast gets its chance to see the amazing Radio City Rockettes as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular expands its tour this year! Children thrill as Santa takes the audience on a magical sleigh ride to the North Pole. The production is enhanced by an immense LED screen that transports the audience from a wintry landscape to Times Square to Santa’s Workshop right before their very eyes. Fri., 1:00 p.m., Sat., 5:00 p.m., Sun., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Portland, starting at $25 adult, $12.50 children.Event details.

Do Jump!’s Greatest Hits for the HolidaysDo Jump! is one-third of a century old and wants to celebrate with you! Watch as they dust off works not seen in decades. Expect lots of twists and turns along the way with this ageless show, perfect for the whole family. Sun., 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Portland, $32 13+, $20 12 and under.Event details.

Westside

Flying ReindeerEver wonder why reindeer can fly? The secrets of the elusive flying reindeer will be revealed when Oregon Zoo Director Kim Smith shares her theories of reindeer flight with children at the zoo’s Elk Meadow. Kids will also get reindeer-sighting tips while the zoo’s elk — close cousins to reindeer — enjoy apples and carrots. Fri., 10:30 a.m., Portland, free with admission.Event details.

Concert at Christmas‘Tis the season for the beautiful music of the Portland Youth Philharmonic! Enjoy four ensembles and an alumni orchestra as they gather to perform Wagner’s majestic Prelude to Die Meistersinger. You’ll also be treated to a world premiere of PYP’s own tuba player, John Caughman. Sun., 7:30 p.m., Portland, starting at $16 adults, $11 children.Event details.

Suburbs

Government Camp History Hike/SnowshoeGet out for a little nature time! Accompany a U.S. Forest Service Ranger on a 2.5-mile round trip tour of Government Camp and the surrounding area. This hike will take participants though beautiful downtown Government Camp and into the forest above. Sun., 1:00 p.m., Government Camp, donations appreciated.Event details.

Timberline Nature Walk with Bruno!Hike with a U.S. Forest Service Ranger and Bruno, the 150-pound St. Bernard mascot of Timberline Lodge! Depart from Timberline Lodge and stroll through the high country with Bruno on this short 1 to 2 mile walk (depending on weather) while learning about the winter ecology of Mount Hood. Sun., 10:00 a.m., Timberline Lodge, donations appreciated.Event details.

—Holly Crisp

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